The Wasps of Fall
Summer is winding down, days are getting shorter, and school is back in session – but the invertebrate world is still active. During this time of the year, you may notice more wasps than earlier in the season. This is because the colonies of social wasps (such as yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets) are larger, with more individuals. And these individuals are actively foraging; seeking fruit and nectar for themselves and food (insects, worms, or bits of meat from your sandwich) to feed the young back in the colony. With the arrival of cold temperatures later in the fall, the colony will die off, and only fertilized queens will survive the winter, hibernating in sheltered locations. Look for different kinds of wasps visiting flowers in your garden, in city park gardens, or even at your fall picnics (but remember to keep a respectful distance)!
Eastern yellow jacket (Vespula maculifrons)
Photo by: Beatriz Moisset/Wiki Images
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